Don’t Modify Your Truck Until You Know About These Kentucky Laws
May 13, 2025
Why Do People Modify Their Vehicles?
Vehicle modification trends have been popular for decades. Whether you’re looking to personalize your truck or make a little noise as you drive through town, vehicle modifications can be as simple as a wrap or as intricate as an engine upgrade. While vehicle and truck modifications are great ways to put a little of yourself into your four-wheeled baby, if you live in Kentucky, there are laws you must follow to avoid fines, or potential criminal charges.
In The Article
Is a Modified Exhaust Illegal in Kentucky?
If you’re looking to add a little more BOOM BOOM to your VROOM VROOM, you should know that Statute 224.30-190 states, “No person shall modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted…above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle…” Before you go tearing through town, ripping your muffler, be sure you’re within the law, as trucks with loud mufflers can result in moving violations or fines, which can increase in cases of repeat offenses.
In addition to having a muffler that doesn’t cause noise pollution, it’s important to also note that your exhaust shouldn’t emit an egregious amount of smoke. According to Kentucky Revised Statutes Title XVI § 189.020, “Every vehicle when on a highway shall be so equipped as to make a minimum of noise, smoke or other nuisance, to protect the rights of other traffic, and to promote public safety.”
Police officers will often be on the look out for loud exhaust or plumes of smoke billowing from your vehicle when they make traffic stops, so it’s best to ensure you’re within the law, if you choose to modify your exhaust.
Can I Use a Lift Kit on My Truck in Kentucky?
Kentucky doesn’t have lift or body lift restrictions. However, Kentucky does have height and weight restrictions for vehicles. If your truck has a little extra room to grow with a lift kit, just know that “a vehicle cannot exceed 11 feet 6 inches in overall height.” This height restriction also comes with the added restriction that “headlights are also limited to 54 inches from the ground.”
While having a higher vehicle can help you see better, other drivers will not be able to see around you to avoid potential road hazards.
What Are the Tire Laws in Kentucky?
There are no specific laws or regulations that restrict the size of tires you can put on your truck in Kentucky; although, just like with lift kits, there are restrictions on height and weight as well as general safety standards that apply to modifying your truck’s tires.
Be sure not to exceed the vehicle height limit, but also be sure that the tires you put on your truck are the correct size for your axles. If you’ve ever seen a truck or car driving down the road and the tire is wobbling, you know that tire isn’t on the axle properly or the axle cannot hold the tire. This is extremely dangerous on roads and can cause serious car wrecks.
What Happens if I Get into A Wreck with an Illegally Modified Vehicle?
All modifications you make to your truck in Kentucky need to be reported to your insurance provider. This includes safety modifications and performance modifications. For cosmetic modifications to your truck, it is best practice to report them to your insurance provider because, in the case of a car wreck, images of your vehicle will be taken, and you can avoid extra steps of proving it is your vehicle by reporting paint jobs and decals or wraps to your insurance provider.
If you don’t report these modifications, your insurance provider may be able to deny claims after a car wreck. While you may be concerned that your provider could drop you from insurance if you’ve made modifications, not reporting those modifications can lead to much bigger issues in the unexpected event of a car accident.
In complex cases like these, a Kentucky accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and negotiate with insurance companies. At Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers, our experienced legal team has decades of experience in working with insurance companies to ensure that personal injury victims get the compensation they deserve. Call us today to get your free case evaluation. 800-800-4600.
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